Photography Competition 51: Composition

Careful consideration of composition is one of the key factors that differentiates a quick snapshot, to a professional looking photograph. Taking a few extra seconds to aim your lens slightly to the left to crop out a pesky distraction, will save you having to spend time editing later.

All of our Photoh meet up groups have been exploring the various 'rules' of composition, such as negative space, symmetry and use of thirds. See if you can spot the techniques our finalists have used below!

The way that Deborah has used the recurring pattern of the wood is clever as it creates a frame within a frame. The layers of timber act as layers of interest and add depth and leading lines to the image.

Ryan Haslam, Adelaide

This is a great example of using the rule of thirds and negative space. Ryan has emphasised the mysterious and imposing nature of the sculpture by shooting from a low angle looking up, and using the contrast of the stormy sky to provide a clean and distraction-free background. The fact that Ryan has photographed the sculpture 'looking' into the other two thirds of the frame works really well.

Patrick Zalewski, Brisbane

Patrick has got a great eye for spotting this frame opportunity in Brisbane! Using a wide aperture to blur the foreground is a good way of ensuring all the focus remains on the intended subject. Bonus points for also sneaking in the rule of thirds technique!

Roy Birch, Melbourne

Minimalism is a tricky style to do well, but Roy has nailed it with the clean composition and colour palette. The negative space of the calm waters ensures that the interesting texture remains the focal point of the photo.

Sarah Norman, Perth

This is a really aesthetically pleasing photo! The fact that Sarah has placed the door - the main focal point - in the centre of the frame works well as the symmetry of the archways lead your eyes through the image. Including the tree branches is a great touch and adds a splash of colour.

Terri Schulze, Perth

Terri has nailed the composition theme with this shot! Great use of leading lines with the archways and columns, as well as the negative space of the shaded area. The fact that the photo is in black&white emphasises the interesting contrasts between light&dark. Nice to see a human element in the image too.

John Baker, Sydney

This is an effective photo as the fact there are 3 points of interest straight down the middle of the frame is really striking. Great capture of the fiery colours and lighting too.

Leigh Hess, Sydney

This photo sure packs a punch, even though it has a very minimalist and abstract style. Leigh has maximised the impact of the pink subject by only letting it creep into the first third of the frame and clashing it with the blue sky negative space.

The winner this fortnight is...Terri Schulze from Perth!Congratulations Terri, you have won a $100 JB Hi-Fi voucher!

And in second place we have Ryan Haslam from Adelaide!Congratulations, a $50 JB Hi-Fi voucher is yours!

Aperture is one of the key factors on the exposure triangle, and controls how much light flows through your lens - much like the pupil in your eye. Different aperture settings (F-Stops) also allow you to choose how much of your image is in focus: the depth of field.

There are so many ways to get creative with aperture, and to explore techniques such as bokeh. Switch your camera to Aperture Priority mode and see what effects you can produce!

Entries will open on Saturday the 11th February and close on Thursday 23rd February at midnight AEST.

To enter, simply post your photo on the Photoh Facebook wall stating your city. First prize is a $100 JB Hifi voucher and second prize is a $50 JB Hifi voucher.